Dave Gahan's first solo record, Paper Monsters, was a bit of an oddity all in all, eschewing the dark electronica of his band Depeche Mode for some guitar experiments. It wasn't altogether successful, which is why it's no surprise to see Gahan embrace synths and electros for his second solo coming.
Kingdom is dark electro-rock, the throbbing, urgent beat reminiscent of none other than Nine Inch Nails. Gahan's in fine voice too, spitting out the words with a venom that suggests there's a very personal tale behind the lyrics. It's doomy, atmospheric and Depeche Mode fans will love it.
Without Martin Gore's steady influence though, Kingdom doesn't really go anywhere. It's lacking Gore's surefire touch to turn it into a piece of magic like Personal Jesus or Enjoy The Silence. We'll see what the forthcoming Hourglass holds, but for now this is probably for Depeche fans only.
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